Michael Appleton to hold firm on Blackpool targets even if they miss Championship season start

Michael Appleton remains hopeful that a number of additions he would like to add will be in place come Blackpool's season opener, but is prepared to wait beyond that if deals aren't completed.

The Seasiders have already made two new additions to their playing squad with Manchester City and Liverpool loanees Lewis Fiorini and Rhys Williams joining to bolster the central midfield and central defence respectively. With both youngsters arriving on season-long loans, Blackpool are yet to make a permanent signing this window but that is not for the want of trying.

Shamrock Rovers full back Andy Lyons remains a target for Blackpool after they reportedly had a £200k bid rejected, following an initial £100k bid. It's understood personal terms have been agreed with the player to allow for a more efficient process should a transfer fee be agreed - £350k is the sum quoted by the Irish Mirror as the acceptable value.

Elsewhere, a £500k move for Accrington Stanley striker Colby Bishop was called off late in the day after a fee and personal terms were agreed according to Blackpool Gazette. Appleton has stated the club remain in the fight for a number of targets in various positions with numbers thin on the ground in key areas ahead of the Championship season start on July 30.

That being said, Appleton told Lancs Live that he remains patient on the transfer front, despite being hopeful of additions before Reading, having learned lessons from his last summer transfer window with Lincoln City: "I hope so, I hope so but I'm not going to be too down on myself if it isn't the case. I've said to you before it's one of them where it's important that you wait for the right ones and you hold your nerve and keep calm rather than sort of signing